On the "Celebrity Coming Out" of Mental Illness

One out of five Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime, however, only a fraction will consider seeking treatment. Though evidence-based research shows that mental illness is a real medical disorder, stigma is on the riseinstead of on the decline.

Dogged adherence to mistaken beliefs, misinformation, and ignorance makes mental illness one of the most stigmatized conditions in the world. Furthermore, studies show that the more severe a mental illness diagnosis, the more debilitating the stigma.

When Celebrities Come Out

High profile people who disclose their experiences with mental illness bring a positive light to health and wellness. Research supports this, with data showing how positive stories result in more people seeking help as a result of a celebrity's disclosure. Stigma research has shown that the telling of positive stories about living with mental illness significantly reduces the myths of mental illness. When the public learns about a person who lives with a clinical disorder, manages it well and experiences a rewarding life, stigma is reduced.

Issue Regarding Disclosure

Addressing stigma is not always an easy thing to do if you're a non-celebrity. For many, fighting stigma is not an option. Fear of losing a job, friends, and social status are very real things. For this reason, concealment can be a constructive strategy. Avoiding stigma in this vein should not be misconstrued as embarrassment, but rather as a means of protection against the misconceptions and intolerance that wait in the wings for a person with mental illness.

But this is not the case when a celebrity self-discloses. In fact, the opposite happens. Celebrities who self-disclose are often applauded for their honesty, and even find their status heightened as a result. Though it's easier for celebrities to talk openly about mental illness than say a teacher, a pilot or a soldier - their disclosure is significant - which in turn, helps those living with mental illness feel validated and less ashamed. When celebrities reveal their struggles and successes with mental illness, they create a "memoirs are mirrors" effect. Essentially, their disclosure enables the general public to reflect on their own personal experiences with mental illness.

Tips Regarding Disclosure

Don't judge the celebrity who comes out with his or her mental illness disclosure as being a means to garner media attention. Many high profile individuals genuinely care about reducing stigma by sharing their story.

If you're someone who needs to conceal your mental illness, give yourself permission to do so. Allow others to do the work to shatter the myths stigma perpetuates in society. You may need to take a different path in living with your mental illness.

If you are considering disclosing your mental illness, bear in mind that moving from "concealment" to "selective" or "indiscriminant" disclosure can be a bumpy road.

Broaden your group identity by joining a grassroots organization like BringChange2Mind (United States), the StigmaBusters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (United States), Sane (Australia), or Shift (United Kingdom), for example. These organizations are welcoming and informative, and work tirelessly to advocate for mental illness.

Children and teens are often less inhibited about their personal information and are at a higher risk for experiencing stigma as a result. Help them understand the pros and cons about sharing their personal narrative. Engage in role-play and educate them about their mental illness.

If the issue of stigma wedges itself profoundly into your life, consider seeking professional, individual, or group psychotherapy to assist you. Remember, there's no shame in living with a mental illness.

Dr. Deb, thank you for all you do to help fight stigma! You are a great advocate. If you know a person has a mental illness, you only know a label and not the person. All cases are unique and each person needs unique treatment as you point out in your book. You also state how the media will often show the extreme cases while there are many living with mental illness who may struggle at times but live very full-filling lives. Seeing actors and actresses who have mental illness does help put a face on a diagnosis and in many cases give hope.---Barb Bohan

Dr Deb,
Yes! It's usually when celebs speak, that suddenly it becomes acceptable or brought to the forefront. I live with a mental illness and "had" a friend that is a celebrity. Upon revealing my illness, she belittled me and told me that I was only deserving of the company of Gary Busey. Then she went on and remarked in a cold hearted manner that she "didn't buy it." Like I was making it up. Why would I do that? This conversation went on thru text messaging and I still have the conversation backed up. It/she reminds me that I have to keep quiet and hide my illness. My heart broke (even more) that day. I thought I could trust someone and shared what I kept secret for soooo long. Never again. =,( The celeb you ask? Without saying her name, I will tell you that she is on a reality show with her rock star husband and 2 children. Thank you for reading.

Hi Dr. Deb - beautifully put! As a fellow Rowman and Littlefield author re mental illness (Ben Behind his Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of schizophrenia to Hope), I agree wholeheartedly. The more we do to tell our stories, and guide others in steps away from stigma and toward understanding and respect, the more we can make a difference. Thanks!
Randye Kaye

Hi Dr. Deb - beautifully put! As a fellow Rowman and Littlefield author re mental illness (Ben Behind his Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of schizophrenia to Hope), I agree wholeheartedly. The more we do to tell our stories, and guide others in steps away from stigma and toward understanding and respect, the more we can make a difference. Thanks!
Randye Kaye